Pick the Perfect Trust for Your Client
An individual who receives money from a personal injury settlement has a number of important considerations when it comes to how the funds will be distributed. For those on needs-based government benefits such as Medicaid (MediCal in California), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, etc., the additional income could cause a loss of benefits […]
Are You Using This Case Resolution Tool?
Once a settlement is reached, it is important that the claimant has the time to make well-informed decisions about how to handle the recovery. In order for that to occur, neither the plaintiff law firm nor the claimant can have constructive receipt of the settlement funds. But what happens when there are multiple claimants […]
The Cost of Cashing Out Structured Settlements
Most plaintiff attorneys know that structured settlements are tools that ensure a steady, long-term flow of income for their injured clients. But what happens when the client wants to make a big purchase now instead of waiting for the money to be distributed? If the settlement hasn’t been properly planned, then that’s where a factoring […]
Download our FREE government benefits planning brochure!
Claimants on needs-based government benefits could jeopardize their benefits eligibility by accepting a lump sum. This brochure provides a general overview of entitlement and needs-based benefits, along with some basic ways to protect eligibility. Armed with this information, your clients will be better prepared to make informed decisions about their settlements.
School Injuries
(Guest post by Susan Katzen, Esq. – Law Office of Susan Katzen) An estimated 50 million students attend public elementary and secondary schools in America, and an increasing number of students, parents, and visitors are bringing suit in tort against schools for injuries or damages. These suits include students injured in classrooms and scholastic sporting […]
Learning the Hard Way
(Guest Post by Casey Johnson, Esq. – Partner, Aitken – Aitken – Cohn) “I thought I had done everything right to protect the plaintiff’s right to avail herself of the benefits of an annuity. However, during the informal negotiations, I had failed to specifically mention the right for the plaintiff to annuitize all or part […]
Signs of Transition Fatigue
Post by Traci Kaas, Certified Financial Transitionist® I’ve been studying people in transition as part of my training with the Sudden Money® Institute, which is the nation’s leader in the philosophy and practice of change management. The success rate for managing life transition events is disappointing, and the goal of the Sudden Money® Institute is to improve […]
Protect Your Client, Protect Yourself
If you’re familiar with Grillo v. Pettiete et al., 96-45090-92, 96th District Court, Tarrant County, Texas, you know how important it is to explore whether a lump sum settlement is appropriate for your client who has suffered an injury or traumatic event. When it comes to cases involving future medical or financial needs (such as […]
Is Your Client’s Settlement Opening You Up to Liability?
Plaintiffs who receive a personal injury settlement face a number of important considerations, not the least of which is whether or not they’ll risk losing government benefits if they elect to receive a lump sum. For the attorney, an uneducated client can be a potential red flag for a future malpractice case. ENTITLEMENT BENEFITS VS. […]
Do You Have a Settlement Brain Trust?
Originally Published in the OCTLA Gavel In all likelihood, you, as your client’s attorney, will be the most trusted person a plaintiff will know over the course of their case. With that trust comes a profound responsibility, and the best way to honor that trust and responsibility is to have a team of specialized advisors—a […]